BILL ANALYSIS Ó ----------------------------------------------------------------- |SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | ACR 91| |Office of Senate Floor Analyses | | |1020 N Street, Suite 524 | | |(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | | |327-4478 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- THIRD READING Bill No: ACR 91 Author: Nazarian (D), et al. Amended: 3/24/14 in Assembly Vote: 21 ASSEMBLY FLOOR : Read and adopted, 3/24/14 SUBJECT : Persian New Year SOURCE : Author DIGEST : This resolution recognizes the Persian New Year celebration. ANALYSIS : This resolution makes the following legislative findings: 1. Nowrkz, meaning the New Day is the name of the New Year in the Persian calendar, and marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. It is celebrated and observed principally in Iran and has spread to other parts of the world. In Iran, Nowrkz is an official holiday lasting for 13 days. 2. According to figures from the 2000 U.S. Census, over one-half of all Iranian immigrants in the U.S. lived in California (55.9% or 158,613 residents). The Iranian population in California has grown to over 200,000 residents according to the 2010 United States Census. However, Iranian organizations and the Iranian Community believe the correct CONTINUED ACR 91 Page 2 number may be four times that amount. 3. A Small Business Administration study in 2008 found that Iranian immigrants were among the top 20 immigrant groups with the highest rate of business ownership, contributing substantially to the national economy. 4. The Los Angeles City Council designated the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Wilkins Avenue in West Los Angeles as Persian Square. The first Persian business in the city opened in 1974 on the corner of Westwood Boulevard and Wilkins Avenue. Since then, there has been an increase of Persian businesses and residents into the area. 5. For people celebrating Nowrkz, it is a time to appreciate their rich heritage and to move forward with hope for a prosperous new year ahead filled with health, wealth, love, joy, and success. This resolution recognizes the Persian New Year on March 20, 2014, and extends best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Nowrkz to all Californians. FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No MW:d 4/2/14 Senate Floor Analyses SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED **** END ****